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A Linguist Weighs in on the Math/Maths Distinction

A recent Numberphile video features linguist Lynne Murphy giving her take on the "math" versus "maths" argument about which so many English speakers hold passionate opinions.

Murphy touches on the contention that the 's' on the end of 'mathematics' necessitates an 's' on the end of 'math' and gives a definitive answer to the question of whether 'mathematics' is plural.

She notes that speakers are "always looking for reasons why their form of the language is more logical" and that "people tend to get very nationalistic about these things," so be careful when sharing this video!